Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDementia is rising, and the toll is personal, social, and economic. From there, we move into a conversation that blends hard data with real life—how hearing loss can quietly erode connection, increase cognitive load, and, according to leading research, contribute to higher dementia risk. Karla Hult joins us with her father’s story—an athlete, a community helper, a devoted dad whose final years were shaped by Alzheimer’s—and shows how love, grief, and action can coexist without false hope.We break down what the science actually says. The Lancet Commission identifies hearing loss as a leading midlife, modifiable risk factor for dementia. The ACHIEVE study adds nuance: while not all participants saw cognitive gains, a high‑risk subgroup (older adults with cardiovascular risk) experienced significant preservation across cognitive measures when using hearing aids. Everyone, though, benefited socially—less loneliness and richer networks—reminding us that better hearing is not just about volume, it’s about vitality. We also demystify genetics and testing: APOE-e4 indicates risk, not destiny, and newer blood tests detect disease only after it starts. That context helps listeners choose action over anxiety.This conversation is practical. We talk about cognitive load at noisy restaurants, the “cocktail party” effect, and how chronic listening strain pushes people to opt out of the moments that keep brains active. We tackle stigma head-on: today’s hearing aids are discreet, smart, and designed for real life. For clinicians, we offer a compassionate playbook—lead with connection, avoid cure claims, suggest appropriate cognitive screening, and never leave families without resources. For anyone with family history or early signs of hearing trouble, the message is clear: protect your connections. Get a hearing check, consider amplification when needed, and double down on heart‑brain health habits that keep you engaged with the people and places you love.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help others find these insights. Have a topic or guest in mind? Email us at soundbites@starky.com. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textHave you ever met someone who says they can hear perfectly fine, but still struggles to understand speech, especially in noisy environments? That puzzling disconnect might be explained by Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) – a condition affecting what our brains do with the sounds our ears detect.Dr. Angela Alexander reveals a startling finding from the Framingham cohort study: approximately 20% of adults who report hearing difficulties actually have normal hearing test results. These individuals aren't imagining their struggles – they're experiencing processing issues that standard hearing tests don't capture. "We used to think about auditory processing in terms of people who had no hearing loss whatsoever," Dr. Alexander explains, "but it is also possible to have hearing loss and processing problems." This insight opens new possibilities for helping people who have hearing aids but aren't getting the improvements they expected.The conversation takes a serious turn when discussing the profound psychological impact of undiagnosed CAPD. People with this condition often withdraw from social situations, creating isolation that contributes to our national loneliness epidemic. Dr. Alexander shares a practical screening tool – the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) – that can help identify potential CAPD cases by measuring the mismatch between audiogram results and self-reported difficulties. This simple questionnaire could be the difference between continued frustration and finding appropriate help for millions of people.For hearing healthcare professionals listening, this episode provides valuable insights on expanding your practice to better serve this underrecognized population. For those struggling with hearing but told their tests are normal, it offers validation and hope. Listen now to understand the critical difference between hearing and processing – and discover how addressing both can transform lives.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textThe mysterious disconnect between hearing and understanding affects millions worldwide, yet remains largely undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. Angela Alexander pulls back the curtain on auditory processing disorder (APD), revealing why so many people struggle to understand speech despite normal hearing tests."One in five adults who report hearing loss actually have normal hearing test results," explains Dr. Alexander, highlighting a staggering statistic from the Framingham cohort study. These individuals aren't imagining their difficulties – they're experiencing a processing problem in the brain rather than the ears. The mismatch between audiogram results and real-world experience leaves many frustrated, bouncing between providers who tell them their hearing is "fine" when their daily struggles suggest otherwise.Dr. Alexander offers practical screening tools for hearing professionals, particularly recommending the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) to identify potential processing challenges. She also shares remarkable success stories, including her work with Matt Hay, who has an auditory brainstem implant. Through targeted auditory training – what she calls "physical therapy for the ears and brain" – Matt improved his word recognition from 60% to nearly 90% in just three months, demonstrating the brain's remarkable adaptability.For parents of children diagnosed with APD, Dr. Alexander offers hope: "Auditory processing disorder is a hopeful diagnosis because there's so much we can do about it." She explains how APD can overlap with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, but unlike those conditions, auditory processing is often easier to improve with the right intervention. Through her Auditory Processing Institute, she's trained 170 specialists worldwide and created a searchable map to help individuals find qualified providers.Ready to understand why you or your loved ones struggle to process speech despite "normal" hearing? This episode might just change how you think about hearing forever. Subscribe, share your experiences, and join us in spreading awareness about this hidden hearing challenge. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textRay Woodworth takes us on a deep dive into the nuances of hearing aid fittings, sharing insights from his dual perspective as both a 47-year hearing aid wearer and an industry professional. He challenges the notion that real ear measurement alone is enough for optimal fittings, advocating instead for a balanced approach that honors both objective measurements and subjective patient feedback.Drawing from his experience of fitting countless patients with custom technology, Ray explains why custom ear molds are crucial for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss, especially in the low frequencies. "When you run real ear measurement with a dome versus a custom, I've seen a 9dB difference," he notes, emphasizing how this can dramatically improve streaming quality and overall sound experience. The anatomical uniqueness of each ear—from curved canals that resist dome placement to surgical modifications that require specialized approaches—further underscores the need for customization.Most compellingly, Ray shares his personal journey with hearing loss, revealing that despite having measurable thresholds in his right ear, standard target-matching through real ear measurement creates uncomfortable distortion. This highlights the critical importance of patient perception, which can't be captured by measurement tools alone. Using the metaphor of a light dimmer, he explains how patients who have lived with hearing loss for years may need time to adjust to proper amplification, requiring hearing care professionals to balance technical perfection with practical comfort.What truly sets exceptional hearing healthcare apart isn't just technical expertise or high-tech equipment—it's the humility to listen to patients and respect their subjective experience. "We have to be humble and listen to the patient, no matter how much we know," Ray emphasizes, "because the patient tells us the truth." Ready to experience hearing care that values both science and your unique perception? Tune in to learn more about this balanced approach.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textRay Woodworth, a 25-year veteran in hearing healthcare, brings his passion for perfection in ear impressions to this compelling conversation about the art and science of customization. Having been mentored directly by Starkey founder Bill Austin since 2002, Ray shares profound insights that challenge conventional thinking about hearing technology fittings."The ear is the boss," Ray explains, revealing how this seemingly simple concept transformed his approach to patient care. He takes us behind the scenes of the hearing aid manufacturing process, offering rare perspective on why custom solutions often outperform standard dome fittings – particularly for moderate to severe hearing losses. Through vivid examples and personal experiences, Ray demonstrates how custom ear molds can dramatically improve sound quality, streaming clarity, and overall patient satisfaction.The discussion delves into the delicate balance between objective measurements and subjective patient experiences. While Real Ear verification serves as an excellent starting point, Ray emphasizes that the patient's perception must ultimately guide the fitting process. "People don't care how much you know until you show how much you care," he shares, highlighting why relationship-building trumps technical expertise when creating loyal, satisfied patients.Ray also addresses the evolution of impression-taking technology, comparing traditional silicone methods with newer scanning systems. Rather than simply advocating for one approach, he stresses that mastery comes through practice and understanding the unique characteristics of each patient's ear anatomy. His passion for craftsmanship shines through as he describes working with challenging cases and finding solutions for even the most difficult ear canals.What's your approach to customization in hearing healthcare? Are you taking the time to truly understand your patients' unique needs? This episode will inspire you to reconsider how personalization and human connection can elevate patient outcomes in an increasingly technological world. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textEver wonder why some hearing healthcare professionals seem so passionate about advocacy while others shy away? Our conversation dives into the heart of building an advocacy culture that transforms not just legislation, but patient care itself.We explore the critical importance of starting advocacy education during AuD and SLP programs. As our guest, Dr. Megan Adams insightfully notes, "Informed students become informed professionals" who can make better clinical decisions and effectively advocate for patients throughout their careers. The good news? Universities don't need complete curriculum overhauls, even a few targeted class sessions can equip future professionals with the advocacy tools they'll need.Many clinicians and private practice owners hesitate to engage in advocacy because they don't see themselves as "political" or "persuasive" enough. We dispel this myth by revealing that most advocacy involves simply educating lawmakers about what audiologists do and why quality hearing care matters. Your expertise is your most powerful advocacy tool—no special personality required.The consequences of disengagement can be severe. We discuss alarming attempts in several states to replace professional licensure with simple registration systems, which threatens accountability and patient safety. Our guest shares a compelling case from Indiana where hearing aid sales were nearly completely deregulated until professionals rallied to educate legislators about the potential harm to patients.Perhaps most inspiring is the call to shift from defensive to offensive advocacy. Rather than constantly reacting to problematic legislation, proactive education of policymakers creates an environment where harmful bills are less likely to advance in the first place. When legislators understand hearing healthcare, they make better decisions.Whether you're a seasoned advocate or have never contacted a legislator, this conversation offers practical wisdom for making a difference. Listen now to discover how your voice—regardless of how loud you choose to be—can help shape the future of hearing healthcare.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textJeffery Reagan's journey from surviving a heart transplant to pioneering tinnitus care innovation offers a masterclass in turning personal adversity into meaningful healthcare transformation. After experiencing a heart attack on Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007, followed by a catastrophic cardiac event in 2011 that left him dependent on a mechanical heart for three years, Reagan gained profound appreciation for patient-centered healthcare excellence. When he later developed tinnitus himself, he recognized the same fragmented care patterns that plague many chronic conditions.The tragic 2021 suicide of Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor due to severe tinnitus became Reagan's watershed moment. Having never realized tinnitus could drive someone to such desperation, Reagan committed to leveraging his unique background in data modeling and healthcare systems to create something revolutionary: the Tinnitus Learning Health Network (formerly Stop the Ring).Unlike traditional advocacy organizations, Reagan's approach places patients at the center while fostering structured collaboration between clinicians and researchers – what he calls "the golden triad." This learning health network doesn't focus solely on research but rather on measurable outcomes using quality improvement techniques that have proven successful in other medical fields. By collecting comprehensive data across demographics, tinnitus subtypes, and treatment interventions, the network identifies patterns that help match specific patient subgroups with the most effective care approaches.With renowned experts like Dr. James Henry and Dr. Donna Murray on his team, Reagan is building what he describes as a "near real-time clinical practice guideline" – one that evolves monthly based on actual patient outcomes rather than being updated once per decade. The vision includes establishing pilot sites by 2026, growing to 30-50 locations within five years, and ultimately securing insurance coverage for the 50 million Americans affected by tinnitus.For those suffering in silence after being told "there's nothing we can do," Reagan's message resonates powerfully: there is hope, there are effective management strategies, and through better data and collaboration, we can transform tinnitus care forever. Listen to discover how this groundbreaking approach could finally bring relief to millions. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textEver wonder why your ears won't stop ringing? The answer might surprise you. Welcome to our brand-new Friday Audiogram series! Every week, we'll deliver a concentrated 7-10 minute dose of hearing healthcare wisdom you can enjoy anywhere—even while standing in line at the grocery store. These bite-sized episodes bring you essential insights from our extensive catalog of conversations with industry leaders.In this inaugural Friday Audiogram, we tackle the complex relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss. Many patients mistakenly believe their tinnitus prevents them from hearing properly, but the reality often runs in the opposite direction. As Dr. Tarvin expertly explains, for many people, hearing loss comes first, with tinnitus developing as a symptom of that auditory deficit. This "chicken or egg" relationship requires careful unraveling during patient consultations.We also explore the power of motivational interviewing in hearing healthcare. By asking open-ended questions like "Tell me your story," practitioners can uncover crucial information about patients' true concerns. This patient-centered approach helps distinguish between perceived problems and actual underlying issues, leading to more effective treatment plans.Dr. Tarvin shares her personal journey to tinnitus specialization, which began when she recognized gaps in her knowledge while trying to help distressed patients. Her background in neuroscience provided the perfect foundation for exploring tinnitus management—where audiology intersects with cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.The Hearing Matters podcast has grown beyond our wildest expectations, now reaching listeners in over 4,100 cities across 212 countries. We're grateful for every one of you who presses play and shares these conversations. Subscribe now to catch every Friday Audiogram and join our global community of hearing health advocates, professionals, and patients.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat happens when a devastating cancer diagnosis collides with a lifelong passion for audiology? For Dr. Carla "Brandi" Smiley, it became the catalyst for reimagining how hearing healthcare could reach those most often left behind.Diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at age six, Dr. Smiley's path to becoming an audiologist wasn't straightforward. After teaching kindergarten, surviving stage four lymphoma during her doctoral studies, and working across various healthcare settings, she continually witnessed the same problem: barriers to access for underserved communities.The solution came in an unexpected form during the 2020 COVID lockdown. While watching Tiny House Nation, Dr. Smiley envisioned a fully-equipped mobile audiology clinic that could travel directly to patients. Despite facing skeptical builders and financial hurdles, she persevered, crowdfunding her dream and creating a 15,000-pound clinic-on-wheels designed with intentionality to welcome everyone."I've had people who were disheveled and dirty and felt they weren't worthy enough to sit," she shares with emotion. "I tell them, 'This can be cleaned. You are worthy.'" This commitment to dignity drives her work with Head Start programs, assisted living facilities, and veterans' services.The tiny house clinic goes beyond convenience, it transforms lives. Dr. Smiley recalls fitting hearing aids for a man in end-of-life care whose wife hadn't had a meaningful conversation with him in 20 years. After the fitting, the couple reconnected through their wedding album from the 1940s. "Those moments are why we do this," she reflects.For hearing care professionals interested in mobile services, Dr. Smiley offers practical wisdom: start by identifying what you're already doing that could be mobilized. With headquarters now in Peachtree City and specialized services including diagnostic ABRs and auditory processing evaluations, she continues seeking grant funding to provide care at no cost to those in need.Ready to discover how mobile audiology might transform your practice or community? Visit On Site Audiology to learn more about partnering with this innovative approach to hearing healthcare. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textEver wonder what happens when a musician's most precious tool—their hearing—begins to fade? Moe Jerant, founding member of the Large Flowerheads and a professional drummer for over 20 years, takes us through her remarkable 15-year journey with hearing technology that saved her career and transformed her life.The wake-up call came unexpectedly during a vocal lesson when Moe couldn't produce certain notes. A specialist's jarring comparison—"your snare drum has almost the same impact as a pistol going off"—forced her to confront a difficult truth: her passion was damaging her hearing. What followed was a journey through evolving hearing technology, from early custom devices that made sound seem "like it was coming through a wall" to modern receiver-in-canal instruments that restored clarity and musical nuance.Moe candidly shares the embarrassing moments that pushed her to seek help—like responding to questions with completely unrelated answers—and the incredible transformation in her performance capabilities after adopting in-ear monitors. Beyond the stage, her hearing journey has enhanced her work leading therapeutic drum circles for seniors, where she witnesses firsthand how untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.This episode offers a powerful reminder about the connection between hearing health and overall wellbeing. Whether you're a musician, music lover, or simply someone concerned about maintaining quality connections throughout life, Moe's parting advice resonates: "Don't doubt yourself. If you think you have a hearing issue, even a tiny one, get it checked." Your future self will thank you. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast